Naomi Osaka and her former agent, Stuart Duguid of IMG, have partnered with an independent management company called Evolve, a company they say is designed to adapt to a changing landscape to help athletes “explore new ways to and enter new spaces. Own business. ”
Evolve has been described as “a multifaceted agency focused on brand partnerships, investments, athlete-owned businesses and philanthropy”. If that sounds familiar, it serves a purpose, because tennis star Osaka, a four-time Grand Slam champion, has used her success on the court not only to build a wide range of businesses, but also in activism and advocacy around the world. of racial equality. Mental health.
Osaka says the agency was created to better reflect the sensitivity and perspective she shares with Duguid. “I was never comfortable just playing tennis and I have always tried to cross borders beyond sport to become an activist, entrepreneur and philanthropist. “This agency will only focus on helping athletes build new paths, enter new spaces and build their own businesses.”
During their seven-year partnership, Osaka and Duguid teamed up with brands such as Nike, Mastercard, Sweetgreen, Levi’s, FTX and Louis Vuitton, making Osaka one of the highest-paid female athletes. Together, they also launched their Kinló skin care line in 2021. by sportsOsaka is ranked 20th on the list of highest paid athletes in 2022, with prize money and a contract of $53.2 million.
in an interview sportsDuguide said Evolve will likely consider adding some customers beyond Osaka and that it aims to grow its business from $50 million to $150 million a year. “Athletes have completely changed the dynamics of what is possible in the corporate world. “They are no longer just contract ambassadors, but true partners, vocalists and culture changers,” Duguid said in a statement. “This agency aims to support the next generation of athletes who want to continue to build on the foundations laid by athletes like Naomi, but also do it their way.
Duguid has been a tennis agent since 2010 and has held the role of Senior VIP at IMG for the past six years. At the start of Evolve, Mana and Osaka left IMG.
Source: Hollywood Reporter
Camila Luna is a writer at Gossipify, where she covers the latest movies and television series. With a passion for all things entertainment, Camila brings her unique perspective to her writing and offers readers an inside look at the industry. Camila is a graduate from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) with a degree in English and is also a avid movie watcher.
